Another gem from the Life archive are these shots from the famous endurance race Le Mans. Unlike Formula 1 where you rarely see anyone overtaken and the cars are as fragile as crystal stemware, Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed and reliability. I can only imagine the what it would be like to drive around for 24 straight hours at those speeds, without a windscreen or cockpit. (See sixth photo.)

Update: Check out Truth in 24 (and download for free). Many thanks to reader Drew for the tip.

If you like this go on itunes and search for “truth in 24″ it is a documentary made by Audi about their Le Mans victory last year. It is awesome, in HD, and narrated by Jason Statham, AND ITS FREE! Awesome pictures.

Badass.. for more of 50′s – 80′s racing photos check the master of motorsports photography, Jesse Alexander. You have most likely seen some of his images already as Porsche uses his images for their marketing in relevance of historical races. http://www.jessealexander.com/index.shtml